Put Some Spring in Your Step

Ditch the winter fashions, shed the extra layers, open the windows and finally welcome spring and the longer, sunnier days!

It’s time to spring clean and de-clutter our neglected interior spaces and outdoor living areas.

Embrace the fresh air and get outside – clean and oil the deck, brush off the BBQ, clean the windows inside and out, update the planters and throw down a new fresh, welcoming door mat.

The annual de-cluttering, room by room, creates calm and order and is repeated every year, so it can’t be that bad!

Whilst it’s certainly not necessary to repaint the house every year, it’s nice to change or simply just re-arrange items in the home for a new look.

Tidy away any items that helped you ‘cosy up’ during winter such as rugs, heavy drapes, woollen throws, spice scented candles etc, and replace with a lighter, fresher look such as cottons, linens, sheers, voiles and chintz.

Here are some on trend tips to stay stylish this spring:

Turquoise, violet, coral and bright yellow are all big ‘spring’ colours, whether it be in the form of paint, fabric or accessories. Non-offensive neutral wallpaper is being challenged by bolder, stronger, more colourful ‘statement’ papers and can really pack a punch in any sized room

Big blooms – florals are also very popular in both curtain and upholstery fabrics, and the scale is much bigger – think large peony and rose heads. Mix with smaller flowers, stripes and dots to add variety. Of course fresh cut flowers in a gorgeous vase never go out of fashion

A graphic pattern gives a tired room an instant zing such as cushions or a floor rug

Add a touch of glamour with warm metallics. Rose gold, copper and brass and their tones are taken through into furniture and accessories, and will add a touch of glamour and opulence. It’s easy to create a feeling of openness with transparent surfaces and mirrors to bounce light around

And I’m loving the vintage glass domes and display cases that showcase new or vintage treasures, such as pheasant feathers, string balls, antique jewelry and taxidermy.

Don’t be alarmed by all the changes that happen each year, there is an interior trend to suit everyone. Harmonious patterns and colours don’t have to match and you don’t have to stick to all of the rules.

It is more important to select items that you like, or which have a personal significance, rather than conforming to a specific rigid look.

And it doesn’t require a complete home renovation; sometimes the simplest nod to a trend can make all the difference. We are here to help you, don’t be nervous – it’s exciting!

Ann-Marie Appleton is the director of interior design company Frobisher Interiors. She holds a diploma in interior design and is a member of DINZ. Visit www.frobisher.co.nz.